Term 1, Week 4, Tuesday 15 February 2022

Year 12s are about to engage with their exams block next week. Despite COVID-19 disruptions at the start of the 2022 school year, our students and teachers have adapted with flexibility and agility. My best advice to students is to use the proven strategies of good sleeping, eating and exercise habits to alleviate the stress and anxiety that affect them during exam time.

Naturally, stress may impact how well students function, so it is vital they look after their mental health and wellbeing throughout the upcoming exam period. Notably, sleep is essential to consolidate learning, and it is crucial in helping to retain the information acquired during study. All the research recommends eating a balanced diet, keeping well hydrated, taking a walk, running or playing sport, and getting eight to ten hours sleep each night. Our Dux of 2021, Miss Dinethra Epa, used these strategies in her final school year. I remember Dinethra’s advocacy for consistently getting a good night’s sleep during exam blocks.

Parents and carers can bring a sense of calm to students and help them gain perspective during exam time. Parental anxiety and worry may increase as the exams approach, so it is wise to bring an environment of support. Instead of trying to smooth over their concerns with a “don’t worry, everything will be fine”, it is more helpful to use statements like “I hear you”, “I’m here for you”, or “Is there anything I can do to help?”.

Phyliss L Fagell, clinical professional counsellor, reminds us that character counts. If your child is struggling with school, point out other strengths and urge them to look beyond academics for a sense of accomplishment. Set reasonable expectations and try not to compare them to other students. Shift the focus to developing traits such as integrity, resilience, critical thinking, perseverance and teamwork, all of which will be equally, if not more important, when they enter the workforce. We short-change these components of a successful life when we overemphasise grades and test scores.

I wish all students well and hope they perform at their optimum levels in the forthcoming exam block.

Air quality and ventilation

Our school is committed to keeping our students, staff, and families COVID Safe. In preparation for the return to campus, our COVID-19 response team has investigated ways to minimise the spread of any possible infection amongst staff and students. As the virus is airborne, and transmission can occur from coughing, sneezing, talking, and singing, improving indoor airflow can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Staff will keep windows and doors open to improve natural ventilation. However, in the small number of buildings where this is impossible, we are adopting additional servicing and cleaning measures to ensure that our air conditioning is above the required ventilation standards. Please note: all air conditioning systems at the School bring in fresh air from outside. The units do not recycle air.

As a precautionary measure, the School has invested in CO₂ monitors to ensure that we continue to operate according to the required ventilation standards. In addition to these measures, we will maintain the additional disinfecting and sanitising cleaning standards.

Foundation Voluntary Building Fund

The Somerville House Foundation partners with the School to deliver resources, programs and facilities for students. Since 1984, the Foundation has raised over $16 million, contributing $8 million to the School. From 2022, Voluntary Building Fund (VBF) donations on fee statements will be allocated to the Foundation Building Fund. VBF donations provide the opportunity for parents to support capital projects like SomerFields. Detailed information on projects supported by funds raised through VBF gifts will feature in our annual Impact Report.

Parents can contribute VBF payments via a $200 donation each term as part of the quarterly Fee Account or as a one-off donation of $800 each year. VBF contributions will be receipted as a tax-deductible donation.

Any donation, or combined donations of more than $2000, will entitle parents to Foundation membership.

For more information, please contact Ms Petrina Gilmore, Director of Philanthropy, Somerville House Foundation via [email protected]

Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal

Trending strongly on Netfllix this summer is the movie Don’t Look Up. With a stellar cast, it is primarily a satirical look at the world’s reaction to climate change, but could apply to various issues facing us today. Without spoiling the movie, scientists discover a large comet heading for Earth. Instead of acting quickly, politicians choose to take a ‘wait and see approach’, more interested in how it will affect their chances in upcoming elections than in the imminent danger it poses.

The frustration of the two scientists who discover the comet and advocate immediate action is apparent throughout the movie. The media prefer to talk about the latest celebrity break-up because this gets higher ratings, and so the general public ends up polarised about whether the comet even exists until they can see it with the naked eye. Once it becomes visible of course everything changes.

As I watched the movie, I couldn’t help thinking that people’s reactions to Jesus can be similar. In the Bible, we are told that Jesus is present with us by His Spirit. Indeed, Christians will tell anyone who listens that God is very real and He works in their lives. Often the response is a bit like that of the sceptics in Don’t Look Up, or the Apostle Thomas upon being told that Jesus had resurrected from the dead unless I see for myself, I won’t believe. Perhaps God’s challenge to us is to have faith first, and then we shall see.

In uncertain times as we are again facing at the start of this year, I would encourage us all to keep looking up. Look up to God, who is sovereign over all the circumstances we face, who loves us with an everlasting love and who is present among us every day. Just because we can’t physically see Him doesn’t mean He doesn’t exist. Scientists in the movie relied on their mathematical modelling before physically seeing the comet. While we can’t physically see God or Jesus at this time, we can rely on the testimony of millions of Christians both now and throughout history who have found God to be faithful, and as the psalmist said:

"God is our shelter and strength and always ready to help in times of trouble."

Jesus tells Thomas that those who believe in Him before they see Him are blessed indeed.

Ms Chris Gorman
Senior Chaplain

It was Galentine's Day at Somerville House on Monday 14 February. Relationships are essential to help build confidence and competence. The power of ‘us’ in building resilience was celebrated and shared by Year 12 students. With pink and red hearts and tutus, the School Captains, Odevnie P (12D), Mary-Elise G (12O) and Geena P (12D), and the Year 12 students created a positive and hopeful attitude. Students created positive and contagious energy, a strong way to start the week.

Change of Expectations

It is hard, isn’t it? Change can be confusing. New students and parents were advised students were not to wear their sports uniforms to and from school, especially on public transport. Before students returned to campus, we had changed this. Students could wear their sports uniforms. On arrival last week, when a new mother was advised that her daughter did not have to bring her sports bag if she wore her sports uniform, she was horrified. I feel for new students and parents. It is difficult to traverse the transition to a new school and then for the floor to become a swimming pool with no clear and stable base. It must be confusing for our new parents and students. Please reach out to your teachers and Heads of Year if you are a new student or parent and you are simply confused. No wonder!

Bicycles/Scooters

We are located in a busy precinct and your daughter’s safety travelling to and from school is a key priority. To ensure student safety for those riding to school, there are certain conditions to be met. If your daughter wishes to ride to school, please contact the School as follows:

Junior School: Mrs Louise McGuire, Head of Junior School via [email protected]
Senior School: Mrs Julie Brunckhurst, Dean of Student Wellbeing via [email protected]

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing leaders, teachers, and staff at Somerville House. The flexibility, resilience and grace wrapped in positive energy that was modelled in this last week due to so much change has been inspirational. A special thank you to our extended Student Wellbeing Team. We continue to be blessed.

Mrs Julie Brunckhorst
Dean of Student Wellbeing

Parent Information Sessions

Thank you to the parents who took the opportunity to join the MS Teams information sessions last Thursday evening (10 February). Class/year level teachers have sent information to families about accessing the recorded presentations. Please contact your daughter's class teacher if you have any questions.

A reminder that we ask that parents and carers, following Queensland Health directives, limit their visits to the School campus during this current time. If you need to drop any items to your daughter please deliver them to Main Reception, Gate 4.

It is often said that individuals have their own learning curves. It is also true for us as parents and as educators. The image is a metaphor for different stages of growth. Children will blossom at different times and in different ways. This blossoming might have been as a result of the right stimulus provided by parents or teachers; it might have been a particular experience; it might have been the result of effort and practice; a combination of these influences, or the result of things we do not understand.

We know from educational psychology that when effective learning occurs in a continuous, relatively stress-free way, strong foundations for learning are developed, represented here by the roots of the plant on the right side of the image. This plant appears to be biding its time. It is absorbing nutrients, developing at a steady pace, persisting with ecological necessities, and can withstand heavy showers, strong winds, and the botanical pressures of others. We could say that it is the one blossoming, even though the flower is not yet on show.

Many plants flower for just a short period of time, some more than once, while others seem to blossom continuously. Does it matter? Imagine the result if we redefine or reframe our interpretation of 'blossoming'. For childrens’ learning to develop in a sustainable way and for childrens’ wellbeing to be maximised, it is what is below the surface that really counts.

For us, valuing this big picture blossoming is evident in our learning practices, our pastoral programs, and especially how we differentiate learning for individual needs and communicate with children and parents on a personal basis.

At the Junior School we strive to help each child build strong foundations so that students can thrive and blossom in very natural and sustainable ways.

Please remember that the more we know about your daughters, the easier it is to cater for their individual needs. I encourage you to keep in contact with your daughter's teachers about how they are going at all times. I also take this opportunity to remind you that my door is always open should you wish to meet with me at any point - I welcome your feedback and assure you that your views and perspectives inform my leadership and help us as a Junior School.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Georgina H (6A) who last year was awarded a Medal for ICAS English. Mrs Kiepe attended our first live stream assembly last week to present Georgina's medal.

Turning Circle reminders

Arrival at school

Use both the undercover and outer Turning Circles for morning drop-off.
Follow the STOP-DROP-GO routine – no parking from 7.45am to 8.30am.
Students arriving after 8.30am should complete a late sign-in at Main Reception before going to class.
Teachers and student helpers will be available every morning at the Turning Circle from 8.00am to assist younger students and help with excess baggage.

Collection from school

Arrive at the correct collection time and display your permit clearly at the entry point and during pick-up so we can identify family names quickly.
Please remember that arriving before your allocated time means that the parents of students in younger years cannot collect due to traffic congestion. Stay with your vehicle and keep time in the Turning Circle as short as possible.
Students not collected by 3.15pm will be taken to the School Office and parents contacted regarding pick-up arrangements.
Students should be registered for OSHC or attending a supervised after school activity if families are collecting students later than normal school hours.

Where possible, students should independently transition out of the car at drop-off and into the car at pick-up in the Turning Circle.

Families with English as an additional language

Many families speak a language other than English at home. We warmly invite parents who would like to attend an informal social group to get to know each other and further develop their confidence in speaking English. If you would like more details, please contact Mrs Deb Hill via [email protected]

Mrs Louise McGuire
Head of Junior School

Softball News

The QGSSSA Softball Competition commenced last Saturday (12 February 2022) at Downey Park. There was a sea of green and navy with lots of supporters in sight. Our Opens had two convincing wins against St Peter’s Lutheran College (SPLC) and Moreton Bay College, the final scores 9-2 and 4-1.

Our Senior As fought hard for two matches and our Senior Bs were competitive in their one match against SPLC, going down 13-4.

We now look forward to week two this Saturday.

Miss Lucy Bellinger
Sports Co-ordinator

Strength and Conditioning (S&C) - SomerStrong Squad

Please note that our small group SomerStrong sessions have been approved to continue this week and next with our increased COVID Safe practices. If you wish to be involved, please feel free to send your daughter along as per usual. However, if you wish to delay your start date please email Mr Malachi McPhail via [email protected].

S&C complements girls' training schedules by offering external sessions that target aspects such as strength, power, speed and agility. The S&C program offers best-practice coaching that aims to enhance the athletic development of students.

Who: Years 7 to 12 (any student not participating in a S&C program)

When: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6.30am to 7.45am; Monday 3.15pm to 4.30pm (sessions depend on numbers)

Training venue: The upstairs gym located at the Murray Evans Sports and Aquatics Centre.

Uniform: Sports Uniform

Mr Andrew McPhail
Sports Co-ordinator

Andrews Cup Tennis

Our Junior School tennis players have hit the court and have been working very hard to be selected to play in the Andrews Cup tennis competition in March at the UQ Tennis Centre.

The girls have been training well with their coaches and participated in many different tennis drills in fairly hot conditions. Teams will be selected this week and we wish all students the very best.

Ms Kerry McAllister
Sports Co-ordinator

Metropolitan East Regional Tennis Trials

Last Friday (11 February 2022) three of our students - Elise W (10O), Stephanie T (10O) and Thea B (8B) participated in the 13 to 19 years regional tennis trials at Griffith University Tennis Centre for selection in the Metropolitan East tennis team. All three students played some great tennis matches and displayed great skills and spirit on the court.

Our congratulations to Elise W for being selected for the Metropolitan East tennis team. Elise will go on to play in the Queensland School Sport State Tennis Championships in March at Caloundra.